Tests on woman in hospital rape saga go for third analysis

Detectives have sent three sets of samples collected from a 50-year-old woman who claims she was raped at a Nairobi hospital to the Government Chemist.

This followed contradictory results from two separate hospitals on samples collected from the woman. According to investigators, tests from the hospital where the woman claims she was raped turned negative while the one from Nairobi Women Hospital showed there was rape.

The officials used high vaginal swab for the tests. This forced police to ask the woman to go to the Government Chemist on Tuesday, where she submitted fresh samples for comparison.

Forensic experts at the Government Chemist will now compare samples from the hospitals and the one provided by the victim to arrive at an outcome.

“We will know the way forward after the experts say what these samples have. There were contradictions on the tests hence need to seek for a final one from the woman,” said an official aware of the probe. Police have so far questioned at least seven personnel of the hospital over the claims.

The officials were summoned to Kilimani Police Station where they were questioned on what may have happened at the facility during the woman’s stay there. Police have also reviewed CCTV footage of the ward between July 1 and 3.

Blood samples were taken from the woman to establish if there were other chemicals in her body that may have caused numbness or lack of consciousness before and after the said rape. The woman claimed that she was sprayed with an unknown chemical and raped on July 3 by a nurse.

She reported the matter to Kilimani Police Station on July 8 and sought action against the nurse and hospital management.

This was after the hospital management discharged her against her wish. Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo said they will take appropriate action once the probe is complete.

“A report was made and we are following the matter to ensure justice for the victim,” he said.